Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. The series, spanning multiple console generations, achieved new heights with Monster Hunter World (2018) and Monster Hunter Rise (2021), Capcom's two best-selling titles ever.
With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's explore the franchise's history through its most significant entries.
The Extensive Monster Hunter Catalog:
While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist (including base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions), this list focuses on the 12 most impactful, excluding mobile/arcade exclusives, defunct MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.
IGN's Monster Hunter Reviews
12 Images
Starting Your Monster Hunter Journey:
The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous narrative; choose any entry as your starting point. For newcomers in 2025, consider waiting for Monster Hunter Wilds reviews (February 28th release). Otherwise, Monster Hunter World (exploration and immersion) or Monster Hunter Rise (speed and fluidity) are excellent choices.
Out February 28### Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition
2See it at Amazon
Monster Hunter Games: A Chronological Overview:
Monster Hunter (2004)
Developed alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak to test the PS2's online capabilities (Ryozo Tsujimoto, Eurogamer 2014), the original Monster Hunter established core gameplay: players hunt monsters, gather materials, craft/upgrade gear, and face increasingly challenging hunts, solo or online. Monster Hunter G, an expanded version, followed exclusively in Japan.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1
Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewIntroductionBasicsWalkthrough: One Star Quests
Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
This enhanced PSP port of Monster Hunter G, optimized for single-player, marked the series' successful transition to portable consoles. Its million-plus sales initiated a trend of portable versions outselling home console releases, lasting until Monster Hunter World's success.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1
Rate this game
(The remaining game descriptions will follow a similar shortened format to maintain brevity while preserving key information. Full descriptions are available in the original text.)
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
PS2 exclusive (Japan). Introduced day-night cycles and gems, enhancing customization.
Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Rate this game
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007) & Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008)
PSP. Built upon MH2, adding content and single-player focus. Unite expanded further with new monsters, missions, maps, and Felyne companions.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Rate this game
Monster Hunter 3 (2009) & Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2013)
Initially Wii exclusive, later Wii U and 3DS. Introduced underwater combat (short-lived). Ultimate added content, improved single-player, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this game
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
PSP and PS3 (HD Ver.). Best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title (4.9 million copies).
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1
Rate this game
Monster Hunter 4 (2013) & Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015)
Initially 3DS (Japan), Ultimate (MH4G in Japan) released globally for New 3DS. Improved traversal with increased verticality and fluid movement. Enhanced single-player story and NPCs.
Monster Hunter 4CapcomRate this game
Monster Hunter Generations (2015) & Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (2017)
3DS. Blended old and new mechanics. Introduced Hunting Styles and Arts. Ultimate was the first Monster Hunter game on Nintendo Switch.
Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomRate this game
Monster Hunter Stories (2016)
RPG spin-off. Turn-based combat, story focus, and exploration. Released on 3DS, PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.
Monster Hunter StoriesCapcom+2Rate this game
Monster Hunter World (2018) & Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (2019)
Series' best-selling and best-reviewed game (Metascore 90). Seamless open-world, reduced learning curve, global online support, simultaneous worldwide release. Iceborne expanded with new monsters, mechanics, and a large story.
Monster Hunter WorldCapcomRate this game
Monster Hunter Rise (2021) & Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (2022)
Series' second best-performing title. Focus on verticality with Wirebug mechanics. Streamlined gameplay from World, combined with elements from Generations Ultimate. Sunbreak added a new storyline, monsters, and locations.
Monster Hunter RiseCapcom+2Rate this game
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)
Sequel to the 2016 RPG. Turn-based combat, character customization, and story emphasis. Party system similar to Pokémon.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomRate this game
Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Builds upon World and Rise. Features dynamic environments and evolved action.
Monster Hunter WildsCapcom Wishlist
Future Monster Hunter Titles:
Monster Hunter Wilds is next, launching February 28th. Capcom and TiMi Studio Group are also developing Monster Hunter Outlanders, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer and a large open world. Release date is unannounced.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
